Our lovely dog is in a critical condition

[PickledMoomin]

After surgery today.

She'd lost her appetite and was excessively thirsty. The vet examined her abdomen and performed an ultrasound and detected an abnormality on Tuesday and we had to take her back today for further investigations.

They found a tumour in her spleen, the size of a grapefruit. She was very lucky that her spleen hasn't hemmoraged. They took her to theatre and removed the tumour and her spleen. The human eye didn't spot any further abnormalities- not sure whether this means there's a chance it isn't malignant.

She's lost a lot of blood and is still sedated and lying on a heat mat. She's 13 and they are worried she will go into shock.

I'm feeling so terribly sad and worried. They said she was very anxious and pale when left, and I'd hate her to think we'd left her there.

The vet said he'd never treated such a lovely natured dog .

Anyone have any experience or know what we can expect next? They'll call overnight if she passes, otherwise we have to call at 10am.

[JustFabulous]

How is she this morning? Did she, and you, sleep?

[PickledMoomin]

She wanted to sleep in the porch. Seems a little brighter this morning, and went into the garden on her own to go to the toilet but came straight back in. Little steps, I guess

[lucyellenmum]

I don't blame her, tis freeezing today :) Glad she is making good progress :)

[JustFabulous]

Good that she had the desire and energy to go outside.

Hope she continues to improve.

[Happydaze]

Delighted to hear your lovely girl is on the mend, may she have many more happy days weeing in the garden!

[MrsClown1]

Great news. Keep us posted. Thinking of you all.

[PickledMoomin]

I do think she's starting to milk it a bit

Appetite is great when she's being fed by hand. My mother made her tuna and rice balls and she's polished them off. There's an occasional wimper, and the little minx can still reach her wound, even with the collar on.

Also started anxiety drugs last night because fireworks push her over the edge.

[Cynner]

I hate fireworks too, so I sympathise..poor little miss. I hope she continues on the mend..

[Headiteddie]

So pleased to read the positive news

[PickledMoomin]

She's brighter again today, though still insisting she's fed by hand .
I can't believe how much of a difference a few days has made

[PickledMoomin]

We found out last night that the cancer has spread. Her teets were very enlarged and I assumed hormonal. Took her for a check up and the squeezed and out came lots of discharge. They said this is a sign of secondaries which weren't there when the operated.
They don't think it's wise to operate after major surgery so recently and expect it'll go to her lungs next. We have to go back in a few weeks, but it's palliative care now.

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

I'm so sorry, Moomin :(

[Sarahbeanieslawyer]

Oh so so sorry to read this

[hellymelly]

Oh Moomin that is very sad. I hope you continue to have some good times with her over the next few weeks or months.

[RedwingWinter]

I'm so sorry, Moomin.

[pinkbraces]

I'm so sorry, I hope u are all able to enjoy the test of her time

[JustFabulous]

I am so sorry to read your update .

[doglover]

I've only just discovered this thread and had to comment. Our old girl has been diagnosed with cancer and we've made the decision to let nature take it's course. As soon as she's in any distress, we'll act, but, for now, she's enjoying her life. She loves her walks, her mealtimes and us. Her end will be peaceful and dignified, surrounded by our love ..................... I'm sure your dog will experience this ultimate act of love, too. Lots of hugs. ((((( )))))

[PickledMoomin]

Thank you all. It's a sad time, but she's had a great 13 years.